The railroad workers may strike soon, which will decimate the US supply chain. Before you complain that you can’t find your favorite crackers or shampoo at the store, please acknowledge the reasons why rail workers are striking:

· The rank-and-file workers that run the trains have been on call, 24-7 for years due to the new normal of skeleton crews. Trains are running with crews of one or, in some cases, none as remote control (yes, you read that right) is now allowed. They can’t plan to attend their daughter’s birthday party or their brother’s wedding.

· Currently, under their present contract, they have zero paid sick leave. They must give 30 days notice for a doctor’s appointment or family emergency. The Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) contract terms proposed by the Biden admin gives them 1 paid sick day.

· Railroad companies’ profit is soaring. Rather than sharing that windfall with the rank and file, profit is paid out in stock dividends or used for stock buybacks (a practice that artificially boosts stock performance).
Railroad company profits (for 3-month periods, not yearly!):
- Union Pacific $1.84 billion in - 2nd quarter 2022
- BNSF $1.66 billion (up 10%) in 2nd quarter 2022
- CSX $1.11 billion (up 15%) in 3rd quarter 2022 on 2% more freight

One more thing – If the railroad workers do go on strike, Congress is likely to vote to force them back to work. Historically, these types of resolutions have seen high levels of bipartisan support because Congress is not pro-worker, they are classists that protect the interests of Wall Street and the stock ownership class above all else.

#Solidarity #union #unionstrong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv_vG9i8AmQ&t=1s